Get Ready for the Brightest Supermoon of 2024 – The Hunter's Moon
If you’ve been glancing at the night sky recently, you may have noticed a particularly brilliant full moon. This dazzling spectacle is the Hunter's Moon, and it’s not just any full moon—it’s the brightest supermoon of 2024! This rare astronomical event will shine its fullest on October 17, casting an extraordinary glow that makes this supermoon a must-see.
So, what exactly is the Hunter’s Moon? In October, this full moon gets its name from ancient traditions, when hunters would take advantage of the bright moonlight to track game before winter. It’s a time when nature signals the change of seasons—leaves fall, and animals prepare for the colder months ahead. This year, the Hunter’s Moon is particularly special because it also happens to be a supermoon, the third of four supermoons in 2024. The moon will appear up to 14% brighter and 30% larger than usual due to its closer proximity to Earth. This effect happens because the moon’s orbit isn’t a perfect circle; when it’s closest to us, at "perigee," it looks massive in the sky.
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For those in the UK, the full phase peaks in the afternoon when the moon is below the horizon, but don’t worry—when it rises later in the evening, it will still appear full and incredibly bright. As the moon hovers low near the horizon, it may take on a reddish hue, a phenomenon known as the "moon illusion," making it look even more spectacular as it rises alongside familiar landmarks like buildings and trees.
What makes this month’s sky even more exciting is the addition of other celestial events. Along with the Hunter’s Moon, we’re treated to the Orionids meteor shower and a rare visit from Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. While the comet might be challenging to spot with the naked eye, a pair of binoculars could help you catch a glimpse of this icy traveler. Meanwhile, the Orionids meteor shower, made from debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, will dazzle with fast, bright streaks of light, adding to the cosmic display.
So, whether you're a seasoned stargazer or just love taking in the wonders of the night sky, this week is packed with opportunities to witness some of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. All you need to do is find a spot away from city lights, let your eyes adjust to the dark, and enjoy the show!
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